Who Pays for the Ambulance?

There was a story circulating about someone who had passed out from drunkenness and was lying on the sidewalk.[1] Passersby tried to awaken the drunken fellow but to no avail. He was completely unresponsive. Onlookers were concerned for the health of this individual, figuring that he was probably in need of medical attention. One of those present decided to call an ambulance which then transported the fellow to one of the local hospitals.

When the fellow finally gained consciousness the next day, he quickly learned what had transpired. Upon discharge from the hospital, he was given the bill for the ambulance service he received, for which he was charged a significant amount. The fellow sharply protested, arguing that he was merely drunk and had not asked to be taken to the hospital, and therefore should not be made to pay the bill. He claimed that whoever called the ambulance should be made to pay the bill – not him.

Who should pay for the ambulance?

Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein answered, based on the Teshuvot Harosh,[2] that the drunken fellow was required to pay for the cost of the ambulance. He writes that it is normative practice that when a person takes ill, and is unable to help himself or tend to his medical needs, that those around him take initiative and see to his medical care – and that they be reimbursed for all expenses incurred in doing so. This is especially true in a case such as this. If someone, even a complete stranger, seems to be in a life-threatening situation, it is a normal humanitarian response to secure medical attention for that person, especially by calling an ambulance. Indeed, when a person is truly in need of an ambulance, he will certainly be happy that someone went ahead and called one –- possibly saving his life. Such an act of concern and kindness is something that everyone appreciates and those who lay out money to do so must be reimbursed.

[1] This chapter is based on V'harev Na, Noach.

[2] Klal 85:2.